Whistleblower protection for employees reporting consumer product safety issues was passed today by Congress as part of the Consumer Product Safety Reform Act. This law, which now awaits President Bush's signature, includes the following provisions:
- employees of product manufacturers, distributors and retailers are covered
- protection for employees who report product safety issues to their employer, to the federal government or to their state attorney general
- employees who refuse to participate in violations of consumer safety laws are protected
- a limitation period of 180 days, complaints may be filed with the federal Secretary of Labor but may be moved to federal court after 210 days if no resolution
- remedies including reinstatement to employment, back pay, compensatory damages, attorneys fees and costs
This law represents an important step in improving the safety of consumer products. President Bush should sign the bill.
Robert L. Abell
www.RobertAbellLaw.com
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